Energy conservation is important today for several reasons. Families cannot afford to pay high energy bills as costs are rising across the board. They need to cut corners wherever possible, and increasing the energy efficiency of the home is one way to do so.
Business owners also need to cut back on their energy usage. Not only will doing so allow them to save money, but it is also an excellent selling point with consumers. They want to work with those companies that emphasize sustainability and cutting energy consumption is of importance to this goal. Windows can be of great help in bringing energy costs down.
Repair or Replace Existing Windows?
Should you repair or replace the window if you have a broken window? Window technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Today’s windows are energy efficient. They are designed to reduce heat transfer so you won’t need to spend as much to heat and cool the home. While repairing an existing window is possible, it may be best to replace those in the home. Doing so will save you money in the long run.
When shopping for new windows, one thing to look for is the U-value. This number measures the heat transfer through the window. You want a product with a low U-value. Also, look for windows with insulating gas fills and double or triple glazing. These features will help reduce your energy costs while keeping the home at a comfortable temperature.
Installation Considerations
The new windows must be properly installed to see the maximum benefits. If the installation is not handled correctly, air leaks will be an issue. The home or business won’t be as energy efficient as expected. Hire certified professionals to handle this task and ensure they follow the manufacturer’s guidelines throughout the process. They should also use industry best practices to obtain the best results.
Weatherization
To boost the home’s energy performance, you might wish to weatherize. This process involves sealing air leaks around the doors and other openings as well as the windows. Add insulation to the home’s crawl space, walls, and attic. Creating a tighter building envelope helps minimize heat loss or gain, so the HVAC system won’t need to work as hard.
Add Window Coverings
Never overlook window coverings when working to regulate the home’s internal temperature. Curtains, blinds, and shades should remain closed during the summer to keep heat from the sun out of the home. Open these window coverings during winter to let the sun in, as doing so will passively heat the home.
Window Maintenance
Most people never stop to consider the need for window maintenance. However, they need this maintenance to perform optimally. Clean and lubricate all windows regularly, and inspect the components to catch problems early. The cost of repairs is lower when problems are detected before they escalate. Caulk the windows and replace any weather stripping to ensure an airtight seal. This seal helps prevent energy loss.
Request an Energy Audit
There is always room for improvement when it comes to the energy efficiency of your home. Contact a professional energy auditor to uncover areas of excessive energy consumption. With this information, you can determine which upgrades need to be made immediately and which will allow you to save the most energy.
Implementing the above steps routinely will help you save money. The windows play a significant role in the energy efficiency of your home or business, so never overlook them when making upgrades. Small changes, such as closing the blinds during the summer, can lead to big savings.
More importantly, they will reduce your reliance on non-renewable energy sources while reducing your carbon footprint. These small changes will benefit the planet in big ways.
